All electrical work as covered by this division shall be installed
in a safe and secure manner, with materials of such kind, quality
and capacity as will maintain satisfactory and economical service
to both the serving and consuming parties. Any and all electrical
work for light, heat, power or other purpose placed in or on any building
or structure in the city limits shall be installed in conformity with
the rules and regulations as laid down in the National Electrical
Code as approved by the American Engineering Standards Committee and
in conformity with the additional rules and regulations as set forth
in this division, the statutes of the state, and the rules and regulations
issued under the authority of the state statutes. Where local rules
and regulations are set forth in this division, they shall take preference
over any rules conflicting therewith.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 201, adopted 2/11/97)
(a)
Protection.
Circuit protection shall consist of non-tamperable
fuses or circuit breakers. The amperage rating shall correspond with
the amperage rating of the circuit on which it is used. The electrical
inspector shall require the installation of non-tamperable type over-current
devices on existing circuits which are protected with plug fuses wherever
the actual connected load on the circuit exceeds the maximum ampere
rating of the circuit or wherever there exists evidence of willful
over-fusing or fuse tampering.
(b)
Dwellings.
(1)
On all lighting circuits, either commercial or residential, in no
case shall the neutral be broken through the switch rather than the
hot wire.
(2)
Kitchens in each dwelling unit, including each kitchen of a multiple-family
apartment, shall have one or more 3-wire, 115-volt, twenty (20) ampere
circuits, each 3-wire circuit supplying not more than six (6) duplex
receptacles. These circuits shall be installed in every new or remodeled
kitchen. These circuits shall not extend beyond the kitchen or dining
area, or be used for any major appliances.
(3)
All remaining receptacles and lights must be equally divided on twenty
(20) ampere circuits. Not more than eight (8) outlets and lights shall
be connected to any circuit and no single circuit shall supply an
area of more than five hundred (500) square feet.
(4)
Single-phase air conditioning units operating at less than 230 volts
and rated fifteen (15) amperes or more shall be wired on a separate
circuit with no. 10 conductors; if rated ten (10) amperes or less
it shall be wired with no. 12 conductors and shall be on a separate
circuit. All such units rated larger than fifteen (15) amperes shall
be 230 volts and on a single circuit. No such units shall be added
to a service or feeder that does not have correct capacity required
by this division.
(c)
Buildings other than dwellings.
In buildings other than
dwellings, one circuit shall not supply more than the following number
of current-consuming outlets, except where detailed wiring and lighting
plans, which meet the requirements of the N.E.C. and this division,
are approved by the electrical inspector:
(1)
In retail space, offices, schoolrooms, study halls, churches, and
similar loads, maximum 6 ceiling outlets.
(2)
Show windows, cafes, rooming houses, tourist courts, motels, nurseries
and rent homes, maximum eight (8) ceiling outlets.
(3)
Wall outlets and receptacles not supplied by subsection (1) of this subsection, maximum six (6) outlets.
The word “circuit” as used in this section shall
apply to a two-wire circuit rated twenty (20) amperes, 115 volts.
No circuit shall be loaded beyond eighty percent (80%) of its capacity,
and where other circuits are used such circuits shall meet the requirements
of the N.E.C. and this division.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 202, adopted 2/11/97)
(a)
Grounding
of service shall meet specifications as outlined in article 250 of
the National Electrical Code Handbook and specifically sections H
(Grounding Electrode System) and J (Grounding Conductors).
(b)
All
service equipment must be wired with the neutral running continuous
from the service through the meter cabinet to the disconnect switch-neutral
bar. The neutral and disconnect enclosure must be grounded to a 5/8th-inch
galvanized ground rod not less than 8 feet long and driven not less
than 8 feet (8') into the ground per article 250.
(c)
Ground
conductor sizing shall be as per table 250-94 in the N.E.C. Handbook.
(d)
All
electrical circuit outlets shall be grounded (bonded).
(e)
When
using PVC or other non-conducting conduit the ground conductor must
be pulled through intact.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 203, adopted 2/11/97)
(a)
Not
more than eight (8) current outlets shall be connected to a twenty
(20) ampere general use branch circuit.
(b)
Not
more than three (3) heavy-duty lamp holders shall be connected to
a fifteen (15) ampere branch lighting circuit.
(c)
Not
more than four (4) heavy-duty lamp holders shall be connected to a
twenty (20) ampere lighting circuit.
(d)
The
unit values and the demand factors herein are based on 100% power
factor and may not provide sufficient capacity for the installation
contemplated. In view of the trend toward higher intensity lighting
systems and increased loads due to more general use of fixed and portable
appliances, each installation should be considered as to the load
likely to be imposed and the capacity increased to insure safe operations.
(e)
There
must be a means of disconnecting all permanent appliances within sight
of the appliance. Freestanding only. Built-in excepted.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 204, adopted 2/11/97)
(a)
All
buildings must have one and not more than six (6) main line disconnect(s)
located not more than thirty-six inches (36") from the meter and placed
not more than seven (7) feet or less than four and one-half feet (4-1/2')
above the first floor or ground elevation and mounted on the outside
of the building or structure.
(b)
The
main line disconnect for a one-family dwelling shall not have a rating
of less than 100 amperes, as outlined in articles 230-79(d) and 230-41(b)
of the N.E.C. Handbook.
(c)
The
main breakers or switches shall be housed in a separate enclosure
which provides room for the main disconnect only on commercial installations.
A main breaker may be used in the panel for residential if the panel
does not exceed three (3) feet in distance from the meter and is located
on the outside of the structure.
(d)
A
building or other structure served shall be supplied with only one
service. More than one service will only be allowed as outlined in
article 230-2 of the N.E.C. and where allowed a permanent plaque or
directory shall be installed at each service drop or lateral or at
each service location denoting all other services on or in that building
or structure and the area served by each. Such labeling is the responsibility
of the owner of that building or structure. Service will be disconnected
on all multi-services improperly labeled.
(e)
As
per article 230-82 N.E.C., no circuits or equipment shall be connected
to the supply side of the service disconnecting means.
(f)
The
service conduit and wires leading from the outside of the customer’s
building to the meter cabinet and main line switch are to be supplied,
owned and controlled by the property owner, but the installation of
service drops and the connection of these wires to the supply lines
is to be made by the electric service agency owning and operating
the supply lines. The owner must provide a location for brackets or
other attachments to the building to which the service wires are to
be connected. Such a location must be above and not more than eighteen
inches (18") from the service conduit outlet. On residences of two
or more stories, the location shall be as is practical on the building,
but in no event shall it be more than twenty-five feet (25') or less
than ten feet (10') from the ground, and it must be located so as
not to be within reach from any porch or stairs landing.
(g)
Service
conduit extending through the roof and used for a service support
shall be sealed at the roof with lead or aluminum flashing and extend
a minimum of eighteen inches (18") above the roof. Such service conduit
shall be anchored just before entering the roof. One and one-quarter
inch (1-1/4") conduit shall extend a maximum of twenty-four inches
(24"), and one and one-half inch (1-1/2") conduit a maximum of thirty-six
inches (36"), above the roof support.
(h)
All
entrance service conductors supplying other than a dwelling shall
be enclosed in galvanized conduit without pull box or fitting, except
approved fittings.
(i)
Conductors
sized according to table 310-16, N.E.C. (Allowable Ampacities of Insulated
Conductors) will be allowed between the point where the service drops
for the electrical supply agency are to terminate on the owner’s
premises and the main line entrance switch, and such wire must be
enclosed in rigid galvanized metal conduit, not smaller than one and
one-fourth inches (1-1/4"); no less than two feet (2') of each conductor
shall be left at the service head for connection to the service wire
from the electrical supply agency’s service drop.
(j)
All
service entrance conductors and main service over-current units supplying
dwellings with demand load in excess of 10 kW shall have a minimum
current-carrying capacity of one hundred (100) amperes including the
one hundred (100) ampere panel.
(k)
Four-wire
delta meter loops shall be allowed where three-phase primary is available
and where some other type three-phase service is not already available,
provided the following requirements are met:
(1)
Minimum loop conductor capacity for the conductors serving residential
lighting shall be one hundred (100) amperes plus three-phase load.
Minimum loop conductor capacity for the three-phase leg shall be #6
stranded copper or equivalent.
(2)
The freak leg shall always be terminated on the leg on the right
marked “red.”
(3)
All residential, commercial, and industrial three-phase installations
must be approved by the electrical inspector before installation.
(l)
Each
piece of entrance equipment used on a grounded system shall be equipped
with an approved neutral bar. Service entrance main disconnect and
over-current units shall be located as specified in the N.E.C., article
230-72, and shall terminate in a one hundred (100) ampere main line
disconnect within thirty-six inches (36") of the meter and outside
of the building except in underground networks where the disconnect
shall be within twenty-five feet (25') of the service entrance.
(m)
Service
heads shall terminate above and within eighteen inches (18") of the
service spot on the building where the structure will permit, or,
if service is underground, service heads shall terminate six inches
(6") above the secondary rack on the city pole for overhead services.
Service conduits shall terminate at the service junction box for underground
network services. Not less than two feet (2') of each conductor shall
be left at the service head for connection to the service drop. The
electrical supply agency shall designate by suitable marker the point
of contact at a position on the building convenient to the service
pole, and the point of contact shall be a minimum of ten feet (10')
and a maximum of eighteen feet (18') clearance from the ground.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 205, adopted 2/11/97)
(a)
All
meter loops for the installation of electric meters to measure service
rendered by the electrical supply agency shall be in meter cabinets
furnished by the electrical supply agency, and installed by the owner
or his agent. Said meter loops must be ahead of or on the line side
of the main line switch.
(b)
No
meter loop shall be placed in a washroom, toilet room, storage closet,
or carport, garage or any similar locations, nor over plumbing fixtures,
machinery, or other interfering obstructions.
(c)
Where
two or more meter outlets are grouped or are on the same building,
each meter outlet shall be neatly and permanently marked to show the
location it serves. Where one or more meter outlets are added to a
group or on a building, the person making the addition shall identify
the old and the added outlets.
(d)
All
multiple-occupancy buildings shall have meter loops grouped at an
outside location which shall be readily accessible to meter readers
and testers at all times.
(e)
Where
one service drop supplies more than one building, meter loops and
entrance equipment shall be grouped on the first building contacted
by such service.
(f)
Meters
shall be set on the outside of buildings at a point not more than
six feet (6') nor less than five feet (5') from the ground to the
dial of the meter. Closed-in rear or front porches are not considered
as outdoor locations.
(g)
Where
changes or additions are being made to existing electrical installations,
necessitating changes or additions to the service entrance or to the
service switch or the meter loop, the service entrance conduit and
main line switch and meter loop shall be changed to conform to the
provisions of this division.
(h)
Any
electrical supply agency furnishing electric current to the public
for heating, lighting, or power shall have the right to install and
connect or disconnect and remove their meters and their protective
devices at their option without permit.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 206, adopted 2/11/97)
The location of receptacles and the number required in each
type of room shall conform to the provisions of the N.E.C., except
insofar as the same may be modified by the following:
(1)
Each
wall space over thirty-six inches (36") in length between door casings
and which is unbroken by a door or passage shall be provided with
one (1) or more wall receptacles so placed that no part of said wall
space is over eight feet (8') from a receptacle.
(2)
Passages
to doors or windows shall not be counted as wall spaces for receptacles
unless they exceed eight feet (8') in width. Wall space covered by
open doors shall not be counted.
(3)
Receptacle
locations falling at a sink or at a gas outlet may be moved one or
two feet without penalty or credit; the relocation of a receptacle
at a sink shall be towards the adjoining drain board or table.
(4)
A
receptacle shall be provided not further than two feet (2') from each
permanently installed ironing board.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 207, adopted 2/11/97)
Conductors shall be sized according to the N.E.C. Handbook and
as previously outlined in this division. Special exceptions listed
below:
(1)
No
conductor that is smaller than no. 12 AWG (American Wire Gauge) size
shall be used in any electrical work as covered by this division except
the following as approved by the N.E.C.:
(A)
Pendant and portable cords;
(B)
Fixture wire;
(C)
No. 14 for individual fixture loads at outlet box;
(D)
No. 14 for control circuits operating contactors, relays and the
like;
(E)
Wiring within display cases;
(F)
No. 14 for switch loops controlling light only in residential occupancies;
(G)
No. 14 in circuits for lighting outlets only containing no receptacles;
(H)
No. 18 for 24-volt control wiring for air conditioners and bells.
(2)
A
minimum of two (2) #6 conductors shall be used for all service installations
having not more than two (2) two-wire circuits except on private single-family
residences of less than three hundred (300) square feet.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 208, adopted 2/11/97)
(a)
All
wiring used exclusively for and which is within a building or that
part of the building used exclusively as a dwelling, and which is
located outside the fire zone (ordinance found on page 30 of Ordinance
Book 1) or city limits, shall be wired with the equivalent of one
of the following types of wiring, all as regulated by this division:
(c)
All
electrical work in the fire zone (ordinance found on page 30 of Ordinance
Book) or the city limits, and all electrical work not included in
the two preceding subsections, shall be installed with the equivalent
of one of the following methods, except as shown in the subsequent
subsection, or as otherwise specifically covered by this division:
(d)
Tourist courts, motels, rest homes and nurseries shall be wired as required in subsection (c) of this section.
(e)
The
following exceptions to the above wiring methods shall be recognized:
(1)
Equipment wired with other methods which meet the standards of and
which bear the Underwriters’ Laboratory, Inc., label of approval
[as approved] by the electrical inspector;
(2)
Wiring methods especially approved elsewhere in this division;
(3)
The electrical inspector may approve other equivalent methods of
wiring to meet unusual conditions where the methods named in this
section are not suitable for the use intended, or where the N.E.C.
requires a certain method.
(f)
Only
approved raceways, except enameled steel conduit and electrical metallic
tubing shall be used underground, within concrete construction, and
where required under the N.E.C. No weatherproof electrical materials
will be considered as not exposed to weather if run on the ceiling
twelve inches (12") or more from the outside edge of roofs or awnings
or on side walls more than forty-five degrees inside from a vertical
line at the outside edge of the roof.
(g)
Single-family
dwellings may be wired using romex type cabling stapled every 4 feet
on vertical runs.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 209, adopted 2/11/97)
(a)
All
lighting outlets in kitchens, baths and toilet rooms shall be controlled
by a wall switch.
(b)
Lamp
holders in closets, where inflammable materials are likely to be stored,
shall be equipped with open-bottomed lamp guards. Lamp guards for
this use shall require tools from the lamp holder. Outlets in such
closets shall be on the wall over the door, or within ten inches (10")
of the door in the ceiling. No drop lamp cords shall be approved in
clothes closets.
(c)
No
telephone, telegraph, bell wire or other signal wire shall be run
so as to come into contact with or nearer than five inches (5") to
any light or power wire, unless such light or power wires are protected
by porcelain tubes, romex, metal armor, or conduit. Thermostat or
other low voltage control wiring shall be well strapped or supported
with insulated staples, supports not to exceed for four feet (4').
(d)
Wherever
new wiring is replacing old wiring, the old wiring must be completely
removed, and where said old wiring cannot be removed it must be rendered
impossible of future use before final approval shall be given to the
new wiring.
(e)
Where
additions are being made, and part of the old wiring remains in use,
and defects exist in same, the old wiring must be corrected to meet
standards under which it was originally authorized. No additions shall
be made which load circuits or feeders beyond the standards established
by this division. No load shall be added to any conductor smaller
than no. 12.
(f)
Fuse
panels, circuit breakers, etc., shall not be placed in hot water closets,
bathrooms, or any similar place where articles may be stored to hinder
accessibility. They shall be located where they are readily accessible
to tenants.
(Ordinance 1997-3, sec. 210, adopted 2/11/97)
